Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa members participate in French mud run

U.S. Army Cpt. Ermes Natale, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Civil Affairs, rests his arms atop an obstacle during a mud run hosted by the French military, Nov. 6, 2016, in Djibouti, Djibouti. The event allowed coalition forces from French, Japanese, and American teams to interact and build camaraderie while navigating a five kilometer course. The French 5th Marine Regiment team took first place. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

Service members from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Civil Affairs competed in an obstacle-filled mud run hosted by the French military, Nov. 6, 2016, in Djibouti, Djibouti. The event allowed coalition forces from French, Japanese, and American teams to interact and build camaraderie while navigating a five kilometer course. The French 5th Marine Regiment team took first place.

The U.S. Marine Corps is arguably one of the most revered institutions within the U.S. Department of Defense. So, when Combined Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) leadership recently welcomed members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) into the U.S. Marine Corps Corporals Course, it was a distinct honor.

Brig. Gen. Howard Purcell, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa deputy commander, and approximately 50 U.S. and French military members and civilians assembled at the Djibouti New European Cemetery May 29, to honor the solitary native-U.S. military member buried here.